Seahawks defeat 49ers, advance to Super Bowl

The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC Championship, and advance to the Super Bowl

By By JOSHUA TRUJILLO and JORDAN STEAD

on January 19, 2014 1:34 AM

Photo: JORDAN STEAD/SEATTLEPI.COM

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Seattle Seahawks player Richard Sherman hoists the NFC Championship trophy after the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers to advance to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks player Richard Sherman hoists the NFC Championship trophy after the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers to advance to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

From left, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, looks on as
Richard Sherman embraces coach Pete Carroll (obscured) and general manager John
Schneider as they celebrate after the Seahawks defeated the San
Francisco 49ers for the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on Sunday,
January 19, 2014. less

From left, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, looks on as
Richard Sherman embraces coach Pete Carroll (obscured) and general manager John
Schneider as they celebrate after the Seahawks defeated ... more

Seahawk Golden Tate, right, runs around the field holding a "12th Man" flag following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawk Golden Tate, right, runs around the field holding a "12th Man" flag following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in ... more

Russell Wilson, left, joins other players for a prayer circle following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Russell Wilson, left, joins other players for a prayer circle following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks ... more

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, center, pulls on his NFC Championship outfit following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, center, pulls on his NFC Championship outfit following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will ... more

Seattle Seahawks fans erupt as the clock winds down against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks fans erupt as the clock winds down against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

Seattle Seahawks fans erupt as the clock winds down against the San... Photo-5747710.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Richard Sherman calls out "we're the best" to fans following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Richard Sherman calls out "we're the best" to fans following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face ... more

From left, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, coach Pete Carroll, team owner Paul Allen and general manager John Schneider celebrate after the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014. less

From left, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, coach Pete Carroll, team owner Paul Allen and general manager John Schneider celebrate after the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC ... more

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick meet midfield after the Seahawks won the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick meet midfield after the Seahawks won the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman tips the ball away from San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree and the ball is intercepted by Seattle Seahawks player Malcolm Smith during the NFC Championship game. less

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman tips the ball away from San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree and the ball is intercepted by Seattle Seahawks player Malcolm Smith during the NFC ... more

Seattle Seahawks' Malcolm Smith intercepts a pass in the final seconds of the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. less

Seattle Seahawks' Malcolm Smith intercepts a pass in the final seconds of the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The ... more

Seattle Seahawks player Byron Maxwell celebrates a game-sealing interception against the San Francisco 49ers in the final moments of the game as the Seahawks defeat the 49ers for the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014. less

Seattle Seahawks player Byron Maxwell celebrates a game-sealing interception against the San Francisco 49ers in the final moments of the game as the Seahawks defeat the 49ers for the NFC Championship at ... more

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, hops off the ground in a rage during the first half of the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. less

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, hops off the ground in a rage during the first half of the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in ... more

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick tries to evade the tackle of Seattle Seahawks players Bruce Irvin and Richard Sherman during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick tries to evade the tackle of Seattle Seahawks players Bruce Irvin and Richard Sherman during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January ... more

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, center, is congratulated by teammates after rolling past 49ers defense to score a touchdown during the first half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. less

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, center, is congratulated by teammates after rolling past 49ers defense to score a touchdown during the first half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at ... more

Jermaine Kearse, center, makes a long-range catch to score a touchdown for the Seahawks during the second half of the NFC Championship game against the 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Jermaine Kearse, center, makes a long-range catch to score a touchdown for the Seahawks during the second half of the NFC Championship game against the 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in ... more

Seattle Seahawks player Jermaine Kearse pulls down a touchdown to seal the deal against the San Francisco 49ers as the Seahawks win the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks player Jermaine Kearse pulls down a touchdown to seal the deal against the San Francisco 49ers as the Seahawks win the NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

The Seattle Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

The Seattle Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

The Seattle Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC... Photo-5747706.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, fumbles the ball on the first play during the first half of the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. less

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, left, fumbles the ball on the first play during the first half of the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field ... more

Richard Sherman enters the field before the first half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

Richard Sherman enters the field before the first half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

Richard Sherman enters the field before the first half of the NFC... Photo-5747616.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seahawks fans cheer from the south end of the stadium during the first half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

Seahawks fans cheer from the south end of the stadium during the first half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

Seahawks fans cheer from the south end of the stadium during the... Photo-5747624.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seattle Seahawks players prepare to take the field against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks players prepare to take the field against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

Seattle Seahawks players prepare to take the field against the San... Photo-5747625.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seattle Seahawks team owner Paul Allen prepares to raise the 12th Man flag before the start of the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks team owner Paul Allen prepares to raise the 12th Man flag before the start of the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

A field worker cleans up scattered Skittles following a Marshawn Lynch touchdown during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

A field worker cleans up scattered Skittles following a Marshawn Lynch touchdown during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

A field worker cleans up scattered Skittles following a Marshawn... Photo-5747637.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seattle Seahawks players celebrate a touchdown by Jermaine Kearse in the 4th quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks players celebrate a touchdown by Jermaine Kearse in the 4th quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

The Seahawks dance while the 49ers huddle during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

The Seahawks dance while the 49ers huddle during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

The Seahawks dance while the 49ers huddle during the second half of... Photo-5747640.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seahawk Kam Chancellor, center top, throws a 49ers player to the ground just short of a touchdown during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawk Kam Chancellor, center top, throws a 49ers player to the ground just short of a touchdown during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The ... more

Seahawk Cliff Avril, center left, sacks 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, left, during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawk Cliff Avril, center left, sacks 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, left, during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat ... more

Seattle Seahawks player Cliff Avril knocks the ball from San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for a turnover during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks player Cliff Avril knocks the ball from San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for a turnover during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks player Michael Bowie recovers a ball knocked away from San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seattle Seahawks player Michael Bowie recovers a ball knocked away from San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Earl Thomas rallies the crowd during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Earl Thomas rallies the crowd during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

Earl Thomas rallies the crowd during the second half of the NFC... Photo-5747650.78032 - seattlepi.com

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San Francisco 49ers player NaVorro Bowman comes down at the goal line and is injured during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

San Francisco 49ers player NaVorro Bowman comes down at the goal line and is injured during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

San Francisco 49ers player NaVorro Bowman comes down at the goal... Photo-5747712.78032 - seattlepi.com

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NaVorro Bowman holds his face in his hands after breaking his leg during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

NaVorro Bowman holds his face in his hands after breaking his leg during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

NaVorro Bowman holds his face in his hands after breaking his leg... Photo-5747645.78032 - seattlepi.com

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The Seattle Seattle Seahawks defensive line gets hyped up against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

The Seattle Seattle Seahawks defensive line gets hyped up against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll walks the sidelines during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll walks the sidelines during the second half of the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 and will face ... more

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman celebrates with fans after after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. less

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman celebrates with fans after after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 23-17 to advance to ... more

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, right, has an exchange with 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, center left, following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, right, has an exchange with 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, center left, following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, ... more

Seahawks players celebrate following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawks players celebrate following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

Seahawks players celebrate following a 23-17 win over the San... Photo-5747649.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seahawks players celebrate following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawks players celebrate following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

Seahawks players celebrate following a 23-17 win over the San... Photo-5747663.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, center, hoists the NFC Championship trophy following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, center, hoists the NFC Championship trophy following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face ... more

Stadium security takes down a fan who jumped the barricade to run toward the players following a 23-17 Seahawks win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Stadium security takes down a fan who jumped the barricade to run toward the players following a 23-17 Seahawks win over the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

Stadium security takes down a fan who jumped the barricade to run... Photo-5747660.78032 - seattlepi.com

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Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman, center, hoists the NFC Championship trophy following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. less

Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman, center, hoists the NFC Championship trophy following a 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks will face off ... more